Consulta Plantas

Care of the climbing plant Passiflora caerulea or Common passionflower

The genus Passiflora, family Passifloraceae, comprises 400 species of climbing plants native to America, Australia and Asia. Some species are: Passiflora caerulea, Passiflora vitifolia, Passiflora cincinnata, Passiflora edulis, Passiflora x decaisneana, Passiflora x violacea, Passiflora manicata, Passiflora antioquiensis, Passiflora incarnata, Passiflora actinia, Passiflora murucuja.

Common names: Common passionflower, Bluecrown passionflower, Blue passionflower. This species is native to South America.

They are deciduous or semi-perennial climbing plants that reach 10 meters (32.8 feet) in height. They have alternate, lobed, bright green leaves. The very showy flowers are white, blue and purple. In tropical climates they can bloom all year round. The fruit is an edible berry.

They are used to cover pillars, walls and in pots for terraces and balconies. They need supports to climb.

Passiflora caerulea needs full sun or semi-shade exposure; better oriented to the west or south. They resist frost down to -10 ºC (14 ºF).

The soil must be fertile, light and contain abundant organic matter. Transplant in spring.

Water frequently so that the soil is always wet but without overwatering. Spray the leaves periodically in summer with lime-free water.

During spring and summer fertilize every 15 days with mineral fertilizer.

They are propagated by cuttings in summer or by seeds in spring.

Images of the climbing plant Passiflora caerulea or Common passionflower